Optical Illusion in
Interior Decoration
As far as the time when people lived in caves,
walls have been treated or decorated in some way to add to their beauty and
importance. We have a wide variety of wall finishes in different colors,
textures and patterns. Modern technology has improved on the old standbys of
paint, wall paper, wood paneling, fabric and tile, so today we have wall
surfaces that are both beautiful and easy to maintain.
Paint
Almost any interior wall can be painted in any
color. There are many advantages of using paint especially in certain areas. It
is easy and quick to apply and it is relatively inexpensive. Many paints can be
washed and some can be scrubbed with soap and water. When it is necessary or
desirable to refinish the wall, there is no problem of removing the old finish.
In addition to the wide range of available colors, paint can be had in
different degrees of glass ranging from a dull mat finish to one with a high
degree of luster. Various textural effects can be produced.
Types of paints
Emulsion paints are water-thinned.
Emulsion paints are available in a wide range of colours and various degrees of
sheen from malt to semi-gloss or silk finish. They are quick drying and low in
odour, and so are very suitable for the redecoration of rooms which cannot
remain long out of use.
Alkyd paints are based on synthetic
resins combined with a vegetable oil, such as linseed oil. These paints are
generally easier to apply and have better durability and wearing properties
than older types. Alkyd paints are available as gloss, silk and flat finishes.
Multicolor paints – Usually this type of
paint must be spray-applied. It is extremely hard wearing and the multi-colour
effect helps to mask surface irregularities and imperfections. Corridors,
entrance halls, hospital wards and cloakrooms are ideal places in which to use
this type of finish.
Micro-porous paints have a rubberized base
which gives little glass but offers elasticity, allowing movement when the
surface expands or contracts.
Care and cleaning of painted surfaces
Ø Remove light dust with a
wall broom or suction cleaner.
Ø Damp wipe or wash when
necessary, with warm water and suitable detergent to remove heavily ingrained
or tenacious dust.
Ø When washing, start from
the bottom and work upwards, using a sponge or distemper brush. Change the
solution frequently.
Ø Low sheen finishes,
especially emulsion paints, may tend to ‘polish up’ if isolated areas of bad
soiling are rubbed vigorously with a damp cloth.
Ø Never apply wax polishes
or oil to gloss painted surface to ‘revive’ them.
Ø Do not use harsh
abrasives, strong solvents or strong soda solution to clean paint work, or the
film may be damaged or softened.
Wallpaper
The history of wallpaper dates back to ancient
times, but its popular use can be traced back only to about the 17th
century. They may be used to create any atmosphere, they may also be used in
new and different ways to create an infinite variety of novel effects. Wide
range of textures, colors, patterns and interesting special designs are
available. There are wallpapers that stimulate wood, marble and fabric. Some
papers introduce architectural features into a room and still others provide
scenic effects.
Advantages of Wall Papers
There are many advantages and relatively few
disadvantages to using wallpaper as a finish for interior walls. Among the
reasons why wallpaper is a popular choice, we might include the following:
ü Color, texture and
pattern lend a distinct individuality to the character of the room.
ü There is a wide variety
of designs from which to choose.
ü It may be used to
emphasize or to minimize architectural features that are either pleasing or
unattractive. A large room may be made to appear smaller and a small room may
be made to appear larger. The design of the paper may change the apparent
proportions of the room; for example, an emphatic treatment of one wall will
make it more advancing.
ü Defects and blemishes in
the wall surface can be easily covered.
ü A problem area can be
made interesting and attractive. A small foyer or a long, narrow passageway can
become a dramatic centre of interest without the use of furniture. Difficult or
uninteresting places can be given importance.
ü Wallpaper can be used
both to separate and to coordinate areas when other means are impractical. One
end of a small living room can become the dining area without a room divider
simply by the use of a different wall covering.
ü One can try large
samples of wallpaper taped to the wall to study the effects of pattern and
colour in relation to the rest of the furnishing.
ü Wallpaper can emphasize
a furniture arrangement or make a centre of interest more dramatic.
Disadvantages of Wall Papers
ü Perhaps the only major
disadvantage of wall paper is that after two or three layers have been applied
to a wall, they may be removed before a new finish is applied. With
professional steam equipment, old wall paper can be removed quite easily but
sometimes the amateur without equipment must soak the paper with hot water and
scrape if off. This can be very time consuming.
ü There are some new
strippable papers on the market that can be taken off and reused in another
area. There may be some difficulties however in fitting sections of wall papers
in new location. One more disadvantage is that the wrong choice of pattern may
become tiresome and irritating. The same objection may be raised for the colour
of painted walls but the repainting may be easier and less expensive than
repapering.
Plastic wall covering
Many types of plastic wall coverings are
available. Some are more decorative then others and some afford sound
insulation but all, owing to their abrasion resistance, are more hard wearing
and more easily cleaned than most other wall covering. They are obtainable in a
variety of sizes, with a great price range, and many require special adhesives.
Expanded polystyrene, in sheet or tile form, used on walls to give heat and
sound insulation and to help eliminate condensation. It can be painted with
emulsion paint or covered with paper
Ceramic Tile
Although it is expensive and time-consuming to
apply, true ceramic tile is both durable and easy to maintain. It is highly
desirable finish for floor walls and counter tops in certain areas, such as the
kitchen and bathrooms. Tile table tops have also become increasingly popular
because of their high resistance to heat, alcohol and moisture.
Wood Paneling: The lovely grain
textures of woods make an effective wall finish that is both beautiful and easy
to maintain. In modern architecture, the beautiful colors and grain patterns of
the more exotic woods have provided an interior finish that meets the requirements
of exquisite texture plus easy maintenance. Wood paneling seems to meet modern
requirements for informality or for formality with richness and warmth.
The color, texture and
pattern of wood answers a need for beauty in a natural form. This natural form
of elegant has found its way into modern buildings that are designed for both
public and residential use. Various types of precut and pre-finished panels are
available for finishing walls. Sometimes a room may have all the walls finished
with wood or one wall in a wood finish may be combined with another wall in
paint, wall paper etc. The exotic patterns of different types of wood are
available.
Glass Panels
Glass wall coverings: Glass can be used in the
form of decorative tiles, sometimes in the form of mosaics, and tiles should
not be confused with glass bricks which allow the passage of light and form the
wall itself. Colored opaque glass sheets or tiles may be used as a wall covering
in hotel bathrooms. Glass as a wall covering is frequently used in the form or
mirror tiles which reflect light and can alter the apparent size of a room or
corridor. Sometimes ‘antique’ mirror tiles are used, giving a duller surface
with less reflection. Large unframed mirrors may cover part of a wall, e.g.
over a vanitory unit or dressing table, while large framed mirrors are
sometimes found on the walls of corridors etc.
Metal wall coverings
Metal may be used for their decorative and their
hygienic qualities. Metals such as copper and anodized aluminum are decorative
and may be used for effect in such areas as bars, where the metal is
combination with rows of bottles and interesting lighting can be most
impressive. Other metals, usually stainless steel in the form of tiles, may be
used in kitchens where they present a durable, easily cleaned hygienic surface
in areas where splashing is likely. Metal foil can be elegant, if used
sparingly as a wall covering, it is available in a variety of colors
Fabric wall covering
It is possible to cover a wall with any fabric
and its durability will depend on the fiber and weave used in its manufacture. Many types of cloth have been used to
add interest and warmth to walls. Fabrics may be tacked on frames, pasted
directly to wall or glued to heavy paper and applied as wall paper. Felt, grass
cloth, burlap and canvas are popular wall fabrics. Damasks and brocades are
also used for rich elegance. There is no limit to the variety of color and
texture that fabrics can provide.
Fabric may:
Ø Be hung loosely or in
folds which may cover ugly features.
Ø Be attached to a frame
secured to the wall.
Ø Bring warmth and better
acoustic properties to the area.
Ø Have sound deadening
properties which help against noise in adjoining rooms.
Tips for Wall Finishes
ü To make a room appear
larger we should have light or cool color wall covering as these are receding
colors.
ü Nervous/confused people
should have plane wall covering without any patterns. A large, brightly colored
pattern keeps the eyes too busy.
ü The wall covering should
be harmonious with rest of the room decoration.
ü Warm colored wall
covering e.g. red, yellow and orange can be used in cold places and cool colors
e.g. light blue, green and purple should be used in hot areas. The color of
flooring should go with the color scheme of the room.
ü Using a stronger and
more easily cleaned material for the lower part of the wall, possibly up to 150
cm, which is called a dado.
Selection of right wall finish
Appearance: The appearance or the
aesthetic of the wall covering can be described in terms of pattern, color
scheme, shape and size. The only criterion for this is what pleases you. The
size, shape and color scheme should be in harmony with the intended
surroundings.
Durability: Some of the questions
that you need to ask about your wall coverings durability are: Has it been
treated with soil retardants, stain repellants etc. How cleanable is the wall
covering? Are the colors fast?
Cost: The total cost involved
can be divided into the following categories:
Purchase price: It is the actual price.
Installation cost: It may include charges
for removing old carpet or wall covering and apply new floor covering / wall
covering.
Maintenance expenses: Cost of cleaning and
any repairs required